During the First Summer

Orientation

After being notified of acceptance to the program, scholars participate in a week-long conservation leadership retreat at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.  During the Conservation Leadership Retreat, students are oriented to the program and gain exposure to a variety of skills associated with camping, river ecology, pond ecology, reptiles, small mammals, and birds. Students also learn about career possibilities in conservation, have in-depth discussions with leaders in the field, and learn tools for leading the field in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Research Projects

During the rest of the summer, scholars work on field projects with graduate student mentors and faculty. Students learn a wide variety of field skills while helping with ongoing research projects with real world applications. Scholars also complete an independent research project, during which they learn about experimental design, data collection and management, data analysis, synthesis of results, and presentation of their research. Many projects pertain to endangered or invasive species.